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Halloween, or Hallowe'en, is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting "haunted houses" and carving jack-o-lanterns. The term Halloween (and its alternative rendering Hallowe'en) is shortened from All-hallow-even, as it is the eve of "All Hallows' Day", which is now also known as All Saints' Day. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century. Halloween is celebrated in several parts of the Western world, most commonly in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom and occasionally in parts of Australia and New Zealand. (Quote from wikipedia.org)

About the Author

Ruth Edna Kelley (1893 - 1982)Ruth Edna Kelley (8 April 1893 - 4 March 1982) was an American librarian and author. She is chiefly remembered for The Book of Hallowe'en (1919), the first book-length history of the holiday.

Kelley was born in Massachusetts, the only child of Charles F. Kelley, a carpenter, and his wife Mary. She grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, and received a master of arts degree. Her other book was A Life of Their Own (1947), which dealt with immortality and spirituality.

Kelley died in Marblehead, Massachusetts at the age of 88. (Quote from wikipedia.org)

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From the Publisher

A Vintage Volume of Halloween History!

Originally published in 1919, Ruth Edna Kelley's THE BOOK OF HALLOWE'EN remains the all time classic exploration of Halloween history, from the mysterious year end rites of the ancient Celts, to the autumnal reign of Samhain, the Druid god of death, to the coming to Europe of Christianity and "All Saints Day," to the charming early 20th Century Halloween beliefs and customs of Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, France, Germany and America. Filled with Halloween poems, games and tried and true ancient methods for divining the future (especially for discovering the identity of one's future spouse!), THE BOOK OF HALLOWE'EN opens a captivating window into the past of one of today's most beloved holidays.

This Better Days Books edition of THE BOOK OF HALLOWE'EN is a quality reprint containing the full text of the original 1919 edition, along with a new full color cover inspired by a genuine vintage Halloween card from the era.

Often imitated, but never equaled, Ruth Edna Kelley's THE BOOKS OF HALLOWE'EN remains the most complete, fun and fascinating exploration of the Halloween holiday available in this or any Century.

About the Author

Ruth Edna Kelley (8 April 1893 - 4 March 1982) was an American librarian and author. She is chiefly remembered for The Book of Hallowe'en (1919), the first book-length history of the holiday. Kelley was born in Massachusetts, the only child of Charles F. Kelley, a carpenter, and his wife Mary. She grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, and received a master of arts degree. Her other book was A Life of Their Own (1947), which dealt with immortality and spirituality. Kelley died in Marblehead, Massachusetts at the age of 88.
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Wonderful information on Halloween! I'm glad I bought it. It has wonderful poems and information on what Scotland, Ireland and may other countries do on Halloween. Different ways of celebrating the holiday.

This was a cute little book about the origins of Halloween. Every Halloween I like to read up on something creepy, whether it be the holiday, the origin of costumes, witches, zombies, whatever I feel that year. This was my read for last year and I learned a lot.

I really enjoyed this book. I had heard it as a Librivox recording and enjoyed it so I bought the book. It's very interesting to learn of the origin of our Halloween traditions, and it has some great poetry.